The Strokes influence sings in bands like Kings of Leon and Phoenix, but the most homogenized take on NYCs brat kings has to belong to Utahs Neon Trees, whose debut Habits bears criminal similarities to 2006s First Impressions of Earth. It could be innocent, as 4 years seems a likely cultural timeline between Manhattan and the bands home town of Provo, and there is no denying their songs are sing-a-long catchy with tons of teen appeal. But there is something wholly distasteful in their stylized (faux-hawks anyone?) approach. Playing after Fences, who are masters of organically honed, sincerely edgy pop, will only illuminate the artifice Neon Trees name suggests. With Middle Class Rut. MACHELL DUMA LAVASSAR
Thu., Dec. 9, 7 p.m., 2010
